99designs launches Oz local site

First conquer the world then return to the 'hood

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Australian design crowdsourcing pioneers 99designs have embarked on a localization strategy and will soon be offering a new range of professional tools for designers.

99designs, founded in Melbourne in 2008, is now the world’s largest crowdsourcing site for the design community and is headquartered in the US.

The Aussie expats have been working on an expansion strategy since the company received a $US35 million first-round capital investment led by Accel Partners in May.

Outside of the US, Australia is 99designs' largest and fastest growing market, with $US3.6 million worth of pitches posted to date. The new strategy will see the crowdsourcers launching local country sites, starting with Australia, followed by Canada and the UK.

99designs founder Mark Harbottle said “Australian businesses have already used 99designs to hold over 3,500 design contests in 2011. We’re here to foster new relationships between businesses and designers and we’re thrilled to be able to launch a local version of the site.”

Through 99designs.com.au, Australian businesses will be able to ‘crowdsource’ their web, logo and other design needs by posting contests or open pitches. The new site will allow Australian businesses and designers to work in their own currency, with local customer service, accounts management and business tools.

Over 1,000 new projects a week are posted to the site, with a new image uploaded every six seconds.

The localisation strategy will also double the number of local staff in Australia which is now the global center for technology and product development. ®